Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, has urged the National Assembly to comply fully with a recent Federal High Court ruling that mandates her reinstatement to the Senate.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, July 4, ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6 by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
In her judgment, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension—imposed for addressing the Senate while not seated in her assigned seat—was excessive and unjust. She noted that the action effectively denied her constituents their right to representation and the benefits of legislative engagement, and therefore ordered her recall.
Despite the ruling, the Senate has yet to comply, and the Senate President has filed an appeal against the decision, preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to Mr. Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling at the Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Numa clarified the implications of the court’s ruling in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Ors.
Numa referenced the court’s enrolled order, which contains twelve directives beginning with the phrase “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED.” He emphasized that Order 12, which states that “the Senate should recall the Plaintiff,” must be interpreted as binding when viewed in the context of the full judgment.
He explained that the court’s ruling addressed both the core issue and the plaintiff’s request for a mandatory injunction, ultimately invalidating the findings and recommendations of the Senate Committee that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Numa argued that the suspension violated both the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s own standing orders. He cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which obligates all persons and authorities to enforce the decisions of competent courts. He also referenced Section 318, which defines “decision” to include judgments, orders, decrees, and recommendations.
Further reinforcing his argument, Numa cited the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd, which recognized that judicial recommendations can carry binding authority in certain contexts.
He called on the Legal Directorate of the National Assembly to review the judgment carefully and provide the Senate with appropriate legal guidance, stressing that obeying court orders is a constitutional obligation.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced her intent to resume her legislative responsibilities on July 22, 2025—a date she considers symbolically significant following the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The letter concluded by warning that the senator may take further legal steps, if necessary, to enforce the court’s ruling.